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February is Dog Training Education Month, making it the perfect time to stop and think about simple ways training can improve life for both you and your pet!

Let’s start with the basics, potty training. With a busy schedule it can be easy to forget the last time you let your furry companion out to do his business. Potty training bells can be a simple solution to this problem because your dog will ring the bell when he needs to go out. This will clear up communication between you and your pet, helping eliminate unhappy accidents.

One of the most important parts of any training session is the reward! While a positive word and a quick pat may be all the reward your dog expects, having some delicious treats with you for when he does an extra good job will be sure to get his attention. Using treats with clicker training can create another positive que to get your pet’s attention. Never used a clicker? The idea is pretty simple, in the beginning, you offer your pet one of his favorite treats every time you make the clicker sound. It will not take long for your furry friend to create a positive association between the sound of the clicker and the reward of getting a tasty treat. Over time you can reduce or eliminate the treat from the equation but the positive association with the clicker will remain.

Is your spirited dog a puller? Both small and large dogs often get excited when it’s time to go on an adventure, from going out in the backyard to a trip to the park. Having a pet who is a strong puller can add a lot of unneeded stress to your experience, worrying about your pet’s safety as well as your own. While there are a lot of terrific walking solutions that can help hold back a strong puller, the Walk Right!® Front-Connect Padded Harness is a great choice. The first thing to do is to fit the harness on your pet nice and snug so that it doesn’t shift around when you start your adventure. Don’t worry, the front padding keeps things comfortable for your pet. Once the harness is properly fitted, connect the leash to the ring on the front of the harness. This front connection guides him by the chest strap and naturally redirects his attention without causing any strain on his neck. This not only improves the experience for you but for your pet as well.

Limited closure nylon training collars can be a great alternative to traditional chain training collars. A variety of options are available to provide a gentle reminder when your pet starts to pull. The Adjustable Check Training Collar™ offers nylon for a gentle touch paired with a chain element that offers an audible que your pet will also pick up on. The No! Slip® Martingale Adjustable collar provides the same gentle reminder. Both are available with a buckle for convenience.

No matter what tools you use to train your pet the most important thing is to stay safe and have fun! Always do your best to keep training a positive experience and remember that all the hard work will make both of your lives easier. It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.

Cats seem to have a natural curiosity about them. They’re always sticking their nose in your business and getting into places they don’t belong. You can see them tilt their head and widen their eyes, as if they are about to open up and ask you about life’s greatest mysteries. Sometimes they start meowing and you have to do a double take to make sure they didn’t just speak to you. January 22 is dedicated to taking a second to assess those quizzical looks and answer your cat’s burning questions.

We’ve brainstormed five questions your cat may have on the tip of his tongue.

I know we both like the couch, but I definitely use it more than you do. Why can’t I use my claws on it?

Cats scratch for a variety of reasons, including helping to remove the dead outer layer of their claws and to mark their territory. Scratching is natural for your cat and he should be encouraged to do it in designated places. Deter him from furniture and carpets by using tapes and sprays to train him. Encourage him to use scratching posts, scratch pads and toys made for scratching, like the Turbo Scratcher®. Regularly trimming a cat’s nails will help to decrease scratching damage.

You’re always leaving me alone to suffer from boredom. What am I supposed to do all day while you’re gone?

It can be difficult to leave your cat home alone and you may wonder what trouble he will cause while you’re out. Providing him with a cat tree or perch that looks out a window will help to keep him occupied throughout the day. Bringing a second cat into your home will give him a buddy he can play with. Keeping toys around for him to play with while you’re away will help to keep him entertained. Toys that can easily be played with on his own will keep him engaged longer. The Mega Turbo™ Scratcher will keep him mentally engaged with a scratch pad on one side, an interactive movable ball on the other and a ball he can bat around the outside track. Puzzles and snacks can help to keep him occupied throughout the day. To challenge your cat you can add the Turbo Treat Ball™, which dispenses snacks if he spins it just right.

I would really like to play with the ‘toys’ I can see from the windows. Why won’t you let me explore the outdoors?

The outdoors can be dangerous for a cat. There are larger predators, traffic, diseases, parasites and more to worry about. If you choose to take your cat out make sure you take precautionary measures to protect him. Building a catio, an enclosed safe place, allows him to safely explore a limited portion of the outdoors. He could join the family on evening walks with a good, properly fit harness, leash and a little training. If you do take him outside make sure he is up-to-date on his shots to protect him from diseases and parasites.

That man in the white coat pokes me. Why do you take me to such a cruel person?

Regular veterinary trips are a crucial part of caring for a cat, no matter how much he hates it. A vet provides vaccinations that will protect him from diseases, like feline leukemia and upper respiratory infections. They may also provide treatments to prevent or treat fleas, ticks, mites and worms. A vet can help walk you through any questions or concerns you may have about your cat and give the best advice for his health.

You’re always using that cooing voice and trying to squeeze me, sometimes it holds up dinner. I know I’m cute, but what is that about?

It’s called a purrfect love, and sometimes you just need a little kitty cuddle.